Marion was equally astonished.Debra asked him, "So, you've been setting up the venue abroad?""I don't know." Marion frowned in doubt.This wasn't his plan. He had chosen a domestic hotel as the wedding venue."Caleb pulled a fast one, as usual," Erica chimed in, coming downstairs in her bridesmaid's gown. "He probably wants to give you an unforgettable wedding."Walking beside her, Randy reminded them, "There are three hours left for you to try on wedding gowns. You need to finish within the time limit, or Caleb might make you stand at attention as punishment."Debra felt like the Houston family had raised the alert level to DEFCON 1. This didn't feel like a wedding at all. It was more like a mission to complete."Madam, we have 12 models with similar body types to yours. They'll be at your service," said the attendant.Debra understood the implication. She had three hours to select 12 satisfying ones from the one thousand gowns. With a helpless smile, she sprang to action.
Erica pressed Debra down into the seat.Debra sighed, "We're already on the plane. There is no escape for me.""That's not what I'm worried about," Erica replied. "You know, if I don't complete the task, Caleb will punish me.""At least tell me where we are headed," Debra insisted."It's not far. You've been there before," Erica hinted."I've been there?" Debra thought for a moment. "Is it overseas?"Erica shook her head.Debra tried again, "Flesta?"Erica shook her head again. "Nope. I won't say anything.""Then it must be Orkgate."Debra hadn't traveled much in her life, and Erica knew the few places she had been to. Besides these three locations, she hadn't been anywhere else.Besides, the backdrop in the trailer didn't suggest it was on a desolate island.Erica covered Debra's mouth and mumbled, "I didn't say anything. You figured it out yourself. Don't blame me for spoiling the surprise."Debra shook her head. "I don't hate Orkgate, but why did Caleb choose it to be t
With Caleb supervising everything, no one would dare disrupt the wedding."Just kidding," Drake said, heading toward the exit.Then he paused and added, "Wait a minute.""Boss, is there anything else?""Go prepare a wedding gift.""But we're not invited."Drake kicked him in the backside and spluttered, "Just because they didn't invite me, I can't go? This is my turf. If I'm unhappy, their wedding won't happen.""You're right, boss.""Get the gift ready.""Got it.""Hold on.""Boss, what's up?""It's still early. I'll go with you."Drake got into the car, and Kale followed....After the plane landed, Erica took Debra straight to a hotel.In the suite, the makeup artist and stylist were already waiting.Erica pushed Debra into the makeup chair. "Finally, you're becoming my cousin-in-law. This is so exciting.""What about Marion? Is he getting ready too?""Probably. Randy is overseeing everything. You two will shine today."Just then, a staff member walked in and han
As the two of them were examining the diamond necklace, Erica said, "This necklace goes well with your wedding dress, though. Drake wouldn't have sent it to you on purpose, would he?""It's just a coincidence," Debra replied.She held the necklace up to her neck, and it matched her outfit very well."Hey, where did the necklace from the safe go?" the stylist suddenly asked.That was a treasure prepared by Caleb. It would be disastrous if it went missing.Erica frowned. "It's missing? Maybe it wasn't brought here?""That's impossible," the stylist insisted. "I put it in the safe myself. The safe was transported from the airport this morning by a special team. Nothing could go wrong."Debra looked down at the diamond necklace in her hand and figured out it was Drake's prank.She said, "It's fine. I'll just wear this one."The stylist hesitated. If they didn't follow Caleb's instructions, he might get upset.Debra explained, "Caleb is getting on in years. He won't remember such
"Alright," Erica agreed, opening the lid of the gift box.A finely crafted brooch was lying inside. It was shaped like an orchid, with a sleek stem that curved gracefully. The centerpiece was adorned with tiny diamonds, sparkling like crystal-clear glass. Their high quality was plain to see.Erica muttered, "This brooch is pretty, but isn't it a bit plain? Why would Drake give you this? And the pin is so sharp. It could hurt you.""Let me see it." Debra reached out her hand, and Erica placed the brooch in her palm.She examined it closely, turning it in the light. The tiny diamonds were expertly cut, their brilliance evident from every angle. It would take a highly-skilled craftsman to produce something like this.The orchid design was elegant, with a touch of mysterious allure."Drake doesn't have this kind of taste. This probably wasn't from him.""Who was it then?"Erica leaned closer to get a better look, but there was nothing special beyond its beauty."Keep it safe for m
Erica smiled helplessly. She stepped forward, took the gift box, and asked, "Who sent this?"The doorman did his best to describe, "A redhead wearing a helmet."Debra immediately thought of Jordan. "Where is he?""He's already left. He asked me to deliver this to you and said nothing else," replied the doorman.Erica also figured it out. They both knew that Andrew had sent Jordan on a mission. As for details, they couldn't ask.Sometimes, knowing too much wasn't a good thing."Looks like I'm a step too late. You've already received so many gifts," Michael sighed, taking out a white gift box tied with a bow.Seeing a crystal bracelet inside, Erica exclaimed, "Wow, did you guys plan this? All these gifts are jewelry.""All of them?" Michael was surprised."Yeah, look. A brooch, a necklace, and now your bracelet. Every single one is jewelry," Erica said, clicking her tongue. "Typical guys, always giving girls jewelry, lipstick, or bags. Can't you be a bit more creative?"On the
Debra changed into her wedding dress.The stylist and makeup artist marveled, "Madam, you look stunning in this dress. Forget red-carpet celebrities. None of them can compare to you."Debra felt flattered, and Michael smiled, "This dress suits you perfectly.""Thank you."Michael glanced at the brightening sky outside. "It's about time. I'd like to play the role of your family and walk you out."There was hardly anyone else left in the Frazier family.Debra recalled all the ups and downs. Michael had always been the backbone of the company and her most reliable partner."In my mind, you're always my family," she said.Michael chuckled, "If you hadn't agreed to let me walk you out, I would've been upset."The bridal convoy pulled up outside. Erica saw it through the window and exclaimed, "Here they are. Go block the door."Debra blinked. "Block the door?"Erica quickly directed the stylist and makeup artist to barricade the door. Then, with lightning speed, she pulled Debra t
"They're coming." Erica rushed to close the door.Liza was puzzled. "The groom is here to pick up the bride? Why are you closing the door?""You don't get it," Erica said, piling up everything she could find to block the door. "This is tradition.""What kind of tradition?" Liza asked."You wouldn't understand," Erica replied. "Just don't let those guys in easily.""But among them is your cousin.""True, but not today.""But if you don't let them in, how are they supposed to take the bride away? What if the wedding ceremony is delayed?"Erica paused. "Oh, right. When can I let Marion take you away?"Debra shook her head. This was her first time having a wedding. No one had taught her these customs before.Erica pulled out her phone and started searching online. "Dammit. Network lag."Just then, a beeping sound echoed outside, and the door opened.Randy poked his head in, cautiously checking for any traps. Then he entered the room and announced, "Marion's here to pick up the
"You're not part of the Houston family. Stay out of our business," one of the shareholders snapped."Exactly," another chimed in. "Your ancestors were just deputies. You have no right to speak here."Randy's face darkened. "Say that again?"Marion raised a hand. "So, you want me to step down?""We want an election," Corey said. "The Houston family has had its time at the helm. As shareholders, we're obliged to choose the most suitable candidate. It doesn't have to be you, Marion.""Let's vote, then." Marion shrugged.Randy was shocked. "Are you serious? These people are just trying to force you out. You can't...""If it's an election, let's have it," Marion said, tapping the table.A group of shareholders then filed into the room. They were all old associates of the Houston family, loyalists who had stood by Caleb for years. They lined up behind Marion as a show of support.Corey scoffed, "There are ten of us, and we control 55% of the shares. What's the point of calling in th
Debra wished she was wrong.She looked down at the file in her hands. Pure Color hadn't even launched yet. It didn't make sense he was interested in it unless he was also reborn.She closed the file and made a call.A calm, professional voice answered, "Hello, Nichols Group."Debra stayed silent for a moment, and the receptionist spoke again."Hello?""Does Mr. Nichols have any appointments today?""His schedule is fully booked for the next few days. You can leave your name and number, and we'll contact you within eight hours.""Never mind."Debra hung up the phone, remembering something told to her by Theda. If Theda and she could be reborn, there could be more cases.If Juan had also been reborn, the future would hold even more uncertainties.The office landline suddenly rang, breaking her train of thought.Debra picked it up, and Garland's urgent voice came through. "Debra, get back here. Something's happened.""What's going on?" Debra tensed up.Garland replied, "A lo
The next day, at the McKinney Group headquarters, Ben handed a file to Debra."Since Juan took over, the Nichols Group has been recovering. Here are a few brands and shops he's recently acquired," he reported.Debra opened it, scanning the contents. Most of the pages detailed partnerships with big-name brands, but a few unfamiliar names caught her attention."They have partnered with several major brands and acquired a few smaller ones," Ben explained. "The brands we originally intended to sign with are now choosing the Nichols Group because of Juan's takeover. Given their recent moves, it's clear they're expanding their business scale and trying to take our market share. If this continues, our market share could drop from 70% to 40% or even less."When Debra didn't respond, he continued, "Madam, we need to come up with a plan to safeguard our profits.""These brands look familiar.""That's normal since they're some of the most well-known brands on the market.""I'm not talking
Garland returned to his room and quickly locked the door, ensuring no one was around. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Hello? Verna? Get my dad on the phone. What's going on? You heard me. Fermin is alive. Get my dad on the line now."Verna stared at the receiver, baffled."Who's calling?" Bert asked, slowly coming down the stairs.Verna snapped back and replied, "Sir, it's Mr. Garland Eaton. He's saying something about Mr. Fermin Eaton coming back to life."Bert frowned and came over to pick up the phone.Garland's voice came again. "Verna? Are you listening?"Bert took a deep breath. "What nonsense are you spouting now?""Dad," Garland exclaimed. "You won't believe this, but your beloved Fermin is still alive."Bert's expression darkened. "Nonsense. You know he died in that car accident. How could he still be alive?""But he is," Garland insisted. "The new president of the Lowe Group caught Liza yesterday. Debra asked me to impersonate Fermin to help with negot
For the most part, Debra was unbothered by the playful banter among the group.But the situation in Seamar City was far from simple. She was beginning to struggle with distinguishing friend from foe.Garland faltered, "To be honest, someone sent me here. I can't tell you who it was, but I promise I have no intention of betraying anyone here. As for Fermin showing up... I genuinely have no idea."Debra fell silent, unsure of what to do, but she couldn't bring herself to just believe him like that. Andrew had taught her to question everything, even if it pained her to doubt those closest to her."Alright," she said finally. "Words are just words. Let's check the surveillance footage. Then we'll know if you really passed out in the courtyard last night."Before he could react, he called the surveillance room. When the call didn't go through, she dialed Barton instead."Mrs. Houston, what's up?""I want to check the surveillance footage of the garden.""I'm sorry, Mrs. Houston. The
Debra led Garland into her room, and he panicked."I don't think I should go in since Marion isn't around," he said weakly.Debra sat down on the sofa. "Only Marion and I know your secret. This room is soundproof and safe for private talks.""O-Kay," Garland sighed in relief.Debra cut straight to the point. "Actually, I'm curious. Did Fermin come to Seamar City as well?""What? That's impossible." Garland was shocked.But then, he remembered the time he had been caught snooping around Debra's meals. Cornered, he had lied and claimed that Fermin liked her.Fermin's death was a closely guarded secret within the Eaton family. No one outside could know the truth. Even if Debra and Marion were his friends, he couldn't reveal it.Debra pressed, "Why not? How are you so sure?""He's always busy with work, and his trips have been handled by me," Garland explained. "Why do you ask?"Debra tossed an earpiece onto the table. "Remember this?""It's a Bluetooth earpiece. What about it?"
"Uh..." Garland interrupted. "Edgar's just a nobody, right? He's from Flesta. How could he possibly know anything about Seamar City's affairs?""I don't know," Debra replied, her tone clipped. "But for now, he's our only lead. Let's just hope he's still alive. Otherwise, we'll be back to square one."Garland's nerves tightened at her words. Back then, Juan had handed Edgar over to the Eaton family, and they'd discreetly stashed him overseas.If these people discovered Edgar was abroad, it wouldn't take much digging to trace it back to him. And if that happened, Juan's cover would be blown. But if Garland didn't hand Edgar over, the trail would go cold, leaving them stuck once again. As Garland frantically tried to think of a way to quietly send Edgar away without exposing himself, he suddenly felt the weight of several pairs of eyes on him. Looking up, he found everyone staring at him with suspicion."He wouldn't happen to be in your hands, would he?" Debra asked.Garland'
"Debra." Randy's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.Realizing everyone was staring at her, Debra blinked. "What?"In the living room, the group sat in a circle, deep in discussion.Erica spoke up. "We were talking about the current situation. Why are you zoning out again?""Yeah, that's the seventh or eighth time today," Randy echoed. "Oh, wait, where was I?"Erica reminded him, "You were talking about how Juan and Jordan have teamed up. They signed a five-year partnership agreement.""Right. Five years," Randy continued. "If they bring all that chaos and shady behavior from Orkgate to Seamar City, we're doomed."Drake shot him a cold glare, and Randy chuckled nervously, "Take it easy. I wasn't talking about you. Everyone knows how messy Orkgate is."Drake leaned back on the sofa. "I'm not from Orkgate. Say whatever you want."Even so, Randy toned it down. "Anyway, that's the situation. The two traitors are getting chummy. I bet they're both working for that mysterious per
"The sheep all died, and the boy never lied again," Debra said. "Are you comparing yourself to the boy?"Andrew sensed her lingering frustration but remained calm. "This story is meant to teach children not to lie, but I want to show you how to deceive the enemy."Debra's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?""When a person lies too often, it becomes impossible for others to discern the truth," Andrew explained. "Take my supposed weakness, for example. You never know when I might die. The first time I fell seriously ill, you believed me. But it was all a show. The second time, you were suspicious. After observing me, you concluded I was acting again, only to find out it was another layer of deception. By the third time, I played a smaller trick to convince you I was truly on the brink of death. You trusted me once more, only to discover I was orchestrating something far greater. Each time, you couldn't fully grasp my intentions. This blend of truth and lies will confuse your enemies."